VOV.VN - The third ASEAN Future Forum (AFF 2026) concluded in Hanoi on June 10 with calls for Southeast Asian nations to translate policy consensus into practical and measurable actions as the region faces growing geopolitical competition and increasingly complex challenges.
More than 1,200 participants from ASEAN member states and international partners attended the two-day forum, making it the largest edition since the initiative was launched by Vietnam.
At the closing session, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said discussions focused on strategic issues shaping ASEAN’s future, including regional unity, resilience, conflict prevention, energy security, supply-chain stability and innovation in the age of artificial intelligence.
According to Le Hoai Trung, a common theme throughout the discussions was confidence in ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.
However, delegates agreed that maintaining ASEAN centrality will require more than dialogue and declarations. The organisation must increasingly focus on practical implementation, measurable outcomes and innovative approaches to regional governance.
The minister stressed that ASEAN can preserve its relevance only by continuing to adapt, modernise and embrace emerging technologies while strengthening internal cohesion.
The forum also introduced several new initiatives aimed at broadening regional engagement. These included the ASEAN City Leaders Conference, inter-party dialogue mechanisms, youth-focused discussions and dedicated sessions on Mekong subregional cooperation.
Participants said such initiatives help make ASEAN more inclusive and people-centred while creating additional platforms for policy innovation and cooperation.
One of the notable ideas emerging from the forum was the proposal to shift from the concept of “Made in ASEAN” to “Made by ASEAN.”
The proposal reflects ambitions for Southeast Asia to move beyond its traditional role as a manufacturing base and become a more active driver of innovation, technology and value creation within global supply chains.
Participants noted that strengthening ASEAN’s competitiveness will require deeper regional integration, greater technological capability and stronger collaboration across member states.
International representatives attending the forum praised Vietnam’s initiative in creating a platform for open and forward-looking regional dialogue.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for ASEAN and described Vietnam as an important partner in the evolving regional architecture.
He highlighted ASEAN’s growing role as a driver of economic growth and cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and energy transition.
Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald commended the quality of discussions, describing the ASEAN Future Forum as an increasingly influential platform where regional policy ideas can be exchanged and developed in a meaningful way.
The successful conclusion of AFF 2026 underscored ASEAN’s shared commitment to stronger regional connectivity, resilience and practical cooperation. It also highlighted Vietnam’s increasingly active role in promoting regional dialogue and helping shape discussions on the future development of Southeast Asia.
Observers noted that the forum’s emphasis on implementation, innovation and adaptability reflects ASEAN’s broader efforts to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing global environment.
Vietnam’s proposal on discussion themes for the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026, focusing on the solidarity and resilience of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is in line with the interests of all ASEAN member states, according to a Chinese scholar.
VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on June 9 received heads of delegations, experts, scholars and representatives of international organisations attending the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 in Hanoi.
VOV.VN - Delegates from ASEAN localities, including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Indonesia, attending the 2026 ASEAN City Leaders Conference took part in a cultural and heritage tour of Hanoi to get a beter understanding of special historical and cultural sites in the capital.
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